In a blow to Chelsea's hopes in two competitions, the London football club's veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech will miss the rest of the season after landing heavily and injuring his right arm in their scoreless draw at Atletico Madrid.
The Czech Republic international was replaced by 41-year-old Mark Schwarzer in the 18th minute of their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Vicente Calderon, after Atletico midfielder Raul Garcia took a tumble and felled the keeper at a corner.
Cech's injury represents a blow to second-placed Chelsea's chances of catching Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are five points clear of the London club with three games left.
The two title rivals meet at Anfield on Monday.
Understudy Schwarzer deputised for an unwell Cech on Sunday when Chelsea slipped to a shock 2-1 home defeat by bottom club Sunderland.
Australian Schwarzer, making only his second Champions League appearance on Tuesday, became the oldest player to feature in the knockout phase.
The second leg against Atletico is at Stamford Bridge on May 1st.
